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Keep the history alive!

"The Boot" (click to enlarge)

After winning over the last couple of years, the Arkansas versus LSU matchup can be traced all the way back to 1901. However, on November 13, 1909, the Hogs would register their first win over the LSU squad (1909 and 1964 being the only undefeated seasons for the Hogs). After having lost three of the four previous games (1906 ended in a 6-6 tie), the game displayed a revenge factor and showed the beginnings of a showdown. For some reason, the game was played at a neutral site in Memphis, TN before a crowd estimated at 4,000 which was, by the way, a large gathering at that time.

LSU arrived with a record of 4-1 and was favored to win the contest. Although it wasn't a home game, an excited contingent of fans had gathered at the Western Union office located at the train station on Dickson Street. As the game progressed, the halftime stats came over the wires announcing the Cardinals leading by a score of Arkansas 5, LSU 0. Having not been favored, the fans were obviously overjoyed when the final score declared the Cardinals had won 16-0. It was after this game that Hugo Bezdek made his famous speech at the Fayetteville train depot declaring that the team had "fought like a wild bunch of Razorback hogs" leaving the Cardinals behind and ushering in the Razorback era.

The years have gone on with LSU maintaining the edge in the won-loss column (Hogs won 22, lost 37 tied 2), although there have been quite a few great games between the two teams. Games like the 1947 Cotton Bowl (informally known as the "Ice Bowl" see 5/6/2012 Hawg-tales) that ended up a 0-0 tie in what was probably the worst conditions ever faced by a Razorback football team.

And who can forget the night of November 29, 2002, when Matt Jones would heave his pass to DeCori Birminghame in Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium to beat LSU 21-20. The last drive would see Jones take over with only 35 seconds left on the game clock, no time outs remaining, and 81 yards to go in order to win the game. Razorback football history was made that night as he would miraculously lead the Hogs to one of the greatest finishes that the team has ever had in a game that has become known as the "Miracle on Markham."

These, along with many other LSU games, have certainly had their impact on Hog football history. So the "Battle for the Boot" continues each year now as the Hogs meet the LSU Bengal Tigers.

If you are one of those rabid Razorback fans interested in knowing even more about the history of the Hog football program, then get your very own copy of "Hit That Line" from the Apple Store, Barnes and Nobles online, or the world's largest e-book publisher - Smashwords.com.

Join us next month, as we once again recall tales of the games, players, and coaches from the past.

Send us your name and e-mail address to receive a FREE copy of the 1960's 45-rpm records in mp3 format to play on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. They make a great gift for any Razorback football history buff. Don't forget to let us know where you are from. WPS!